IndigoVision IP Video Monitors Mine Operation and Safety

Jul 15, 2011

IndigoVision’s integrated IP Video surveillance solution is being used to ensure the safety, security and smooth operation of a remote mining complex on the French island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

The mine is operated by Sablières de Guadeloupe and uses a surface mining process to extract up to 2m tons of sand, gravel and other aggregates for the construction industry per year. The complex is located on two main sites, situated over 50 miles apart - the actual mining area on the coast and a distribution centre in the middle of the island. Surveillance cameras from both areas are remotely monitored from an office located on a third site.

Commenting on the success of the project, M. Pravaz, Director at Sablières de Guadeloupe, said “The operation of the mine has been transformed since we installed the IndigoVision system. Using a laptop I can view the entire mine operation, no matter which site I’m on. We are the only mine on the island that can offer a state-of-the-art surveillance system that keeps all of our staff and customers safe and secure and provides us with a transaction record.”

Using PC workstations running ‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s Video Management Software, operators and managers can monitor the mine’s complex operation from different locations. The new surveillance system allows the mining operation, truck movements, weighing operation and general site security and safety to be easily monitored. Full remote control of PTZ cameras means simple things like ensuring trucks are properly covered after loading can be confirmed. Recorded video also provides the mine’s operators with an audited record of transactions that can easily be retrieved in the event of a customer dispute. Details such as the truck’s license plate and driver’s face can be recorded as part of the transaction.

IndigoVision’s low bandwidth technology is an ideal solution for this type of remote and distributed project. Cameras within each site are connected via wireless IP-networks and communication between the sites is achieved using a VPN over SDSL lines. The advanced compression technology deployed in the IP Video solution allows low-bandwidth wireless links to be easily implemented and low-latency video and data to be delivered. This enables the smooth operation of PTZ cameras over large distances.

IndigoVision’s system allows each camera to output two video streams at different resolutions. This is used in an innovative way when recording the video. An IndigoVision Network Video Recorder (NVR) is located at each of the two main sites. The NVR at one site records high-resolution video from the local site and low-resolution video from the remote site. However, high-resolution video clips from the other site can also be viewed once the right footage has been identified. This reduces the bandwidth requirements of the SDSL link.

IndigoVision’s solution is fully integrated with the GE Alliance intruder detection systems installed around the mine complex. In the event of an incident an alarm is automatically raised on the ‘Control Center’ workstation located in the remote office, identifying the precise location of the intrusion. This allows operators to quickly investigate, which improves overall incident response and security of the site.